You may be right, but to be honest I was one of those guys who grew up playing with a heavier stick and hitting flat. I've just been toying with all the new modern tweeners since I got back in the game after a 20 year break. I try to convince myself that I got a topspin game, but I don't. That's why I've had a hard time being consistent with the PDs and APDs. Maybe I just needed to go back to my roots.

Anyway, time will tell. Right now I am loving the 95D, played with it again and liked it even more. I am playing better then I have in many months, and I can definitely attribute that to the racquet.

Question, would adding a little lead at 12 in the hoop make it stiffer and harder on the arm, or would it somehow make it easier on the arm by possibly increasing plow through and less bounce back/vibration when hit high in the hoop?

Thanks

Click to expand...

I doubt it would make it easier. The 95D is a really, really great stick so if you do hit flatter and can handle the weight, your main issue will be playing pain free.

I buy dinosaur toys and Ninja Turtles because I can't stand to see naked barbies and stuffed pink things all over the floor all the time. Leonardo is married to Barbie btw. And tv?!?!.... I have 'dora the explorer', 'sid the science kid' and 'between the lions' theme songs eternally stuck in my head.

It's their house (wife and daughter's), I'm just a guest with privileges.

Click to expand...

Too funny. I have 4 older girls, ages 16-22. My wife and I then had our BOY, so I am not the only male anymore. However I understand the drama thing - 4 teenage girls and a wife - unbelievable! As far as King of the house. Forget it!! My only saving grace is my five year old son - The toys and movies (spiderman, avengers, etc.) are great. And he LOVES tennis. Taking him to a tennis clinic today!! I may be able to get some tips from him!

Ha! Obviously you're not a father of all girls. King of the house? Hardly. To coin one of the shows my kids watch: Total Drama Island.

Click to expand...

I have a 5 year old boy, starting in tennis, soccer and karate. He may try some basketball, swiiming and volleyball later on . He loves Batman and my IPHONE. The girl, the three year old, is a cutie, is very athletic for her age and I do as she says...

EDIT: It is very possible that my string set-up had a lot to do with my unsuccesful trial of the IG Rad Pro. Plus the fact that I didn't give it much of a chance. Balance and sw were not comfortable for me either.

Click to expand...

You may be right there. Reading your posts further up this page, the igrp's balance and SW seems to work better with a heavy topspin kind of game-you don't have to play loopy shots with it and you can still drive the ball, but it's a hard frame to adapt to when you're demoing other sticks. It took me some time to get used to the weight and balance-the timing of the swing is quite different than my leaded apd's.

Sounds like the 95d is a good fit for your game. The 98 is supposed to be nice.

Re the Babs, it may be the thick beam and the woofer that's putting you off. I seem also to prefer the thinner beams at 21mm or so as opposed to the tapered 26mm Bab.

Did you ever try out the Wilson Juice-same specs as a PD but better feel. Nice stick and lots of fun.

Seriously though, it is a major upgrade from the previous version. Racquet feels so sublime and plush. Unlike the previous version the swing weight seems very manageable and does not have that clunky feel to it. The flex will be a bit of an adjustment for some but to feels just right to me, reminiscent of the PB 10 Mid in this regard. Power is easily on tap and I think this stick will reward players who tend to have more of a topspin ( w/wiper) forehand and play with a 2HBH (Yonex level-effortless execution). Comfort is what you would expect from a stick with this type of flex and matches well with a crisp full poly string bed but I suspect it would also hybrid well.

All in all this stick has left a pretty good impression and has been placed in the # 1 spot in my bag until further notice. More to come

Seriously though, it is a major upgrade from the previous version. Racquet feels so sublime and plush. Unlike the previous version the swing weight seems very manageable and does not have that clunky feel to it. The flex will be a bit of an adjustment for some but to feels just right to me, reminiscent of the PB 10 Mid in this regard. Power is easily on tap and I think this stick will reward players who tend to have more of a topspin ( w/wiper) forehand and play with a 2HBH (Yonex level-effortless execution). Comfort is what you would expect from a stick with this type of flex and matches well with a crisp full poly string bed but I suspect it would also hybrid well.

All in all this stick has left a pretty good impression and has been placed in the # 1 spot in my bag until further notice. More to come

Click to expand...

Oh Murray!... Every single word of the above (I've read the post twice) makes it sound completely like it would appeal to me... Oh dear, this thread is just no good whatsoever for my mental stability.

RHs,

Immediately after yesterday's session with the APDO/Pro No 1/PC+, I now realize I was slightly rushing to conclusions, especially re the Pro No 1/VT Pro 98.

To put it in perspective, compared to the elite, somewhat classic, personal favourite GROAT frames I've had the privilege to play with over the years, I'd say I found it easier to use than, say, a PT630, and more on a par with a frame like the C10 Pro, which I could use and didn't find overwhelmingly demanding. So I think I need to look at it again and not dismiss it totally because although I detected a slight but crucial lack of g/stoke depth and ability to consistently boom the b-line - (this element was rectified when I went with the APD, though it sure didn't feel anywhere near as good - and it was also the case with the PC+, which felt better and had increased accuracy over the APD) - this aside, the Fischer is a beautiful, classy, just too special a frame to dismiss out of hand just yet. I'm also aware that set up could make a big difference here.

"Cough, cough"...

Equally, I do also perhaps think I should just forget entirely about impact feel, sweet swinging, great targeting, beautiful Austrian quality build, and any deluded beliefs on my capacity to effectively wield a frame designed for higher level players etc, and just ear-mark the PD+ and go all out for 100 per cent maximum undiluted g/stroke and b-line power/spin, with virtually no other considerations! :lol:

Seriously though, it is a major upgrade from the previous version. Racquet feels so sublime and plush. Unlike the previous version the swing weight seems very manageable and does not have that clunky feel to it. The flex will be a bit of an adjustment for some but to feels just right to me, reminiscent of the PB 10 Mid in this regard. Power is easily on tap and I think this stick will reward players who tend to have more of a topspin ( w/wiper) forehand and play with a 2HBH (Yonex level-effortless execution). Comfort is what you would expect from a stick with this type of flex and matches well with a crisp full poly string bed but I suspect it would also hybrid well.

All in all this stick has left a pretty good impression and has been placed in the # 1 spot in my bag until further notice. More to come

Click to expand...

Uhmmm, yeah..

So I played an away league match tonight at a club where they offered free same-day demos. Trouble. One of them was the Rad Pro. Because I'm a madman, you know what I walked out onto the court with. Proceeded to whip through a 6-0, 6-3 victory. Stellar frame. Feels very much like the pro stocks I have, with a flex that just massages the ball and throws it where you wish, poppy but not too much pop. Feel was soft, incredibly pockety, but demo was strung with cheap wilson synthetic gut. Returned the frame and the pro shop notifies me they're having a sale, plus free alu power stringjob...

Tomorrow it's in the bag, beside the Mac frame and the 7G. I couldn't ignore the bagel. And so it goes...

^^ I liked the rad pro a lot, Comfy, controlled power, spin, amazing on serve....but it was just a little too flexy for me. I could never get comfortable with targeting and painting the lines due to the flex. I wish it were like 3 points stiffer.

(this element was rectified when I went with the APD, though it sure didn't feel anywhere near as good -

Click to expand...

That is the problem with the APD and its successors (assuming that your elbow can stand it). The feel just doesnt persuade you that you are playing great tennis even when you are. If the next upgrade is on a par with the latest to the PDR that problem may well be sorted out.

Looking forward to a league match tonight, its been a little trying of late with th UK being besieged by Zeus and his merry rain dance....

Anyways on another note, pushed the random cd button in the car and on came 'Different Class' by Pulp, one of the best albums ever made imo and just so typically English ("It may look to the untrained eye, Im sitting on my arse all day"), just Jarvis genius at his best. I decided to stick it out on the road til the album was finished......ha, must of looked like a nutter, singing with the cd blasting.....oh well I deserve my right to have a middle aged crisis

To put it in perspective, compared to the elite, somewhat classic, personal favourite GROAT frames I've had the privilege to play with over the years, I'd say I found it easier to use than, say, a PT630, and more on a par with a frame like the C10 Pro, which I could use and didn't find overwhelmingly demanding.

Click to expand...

Funny you mention the C10 Pro as that was what I used prior to the M Pro No. 1/X Force Pro. My only complaint of the C10 Pro was it seemed a tad heavy, and during long matches vs. younger players my shoulder would become fatigued, and I could no longer generate anything on shots shoulder-height & above. This was especially the case on clay.

Switching from one to the other was rather easy, the only adjustment being looking down at the profile & seeing a 20-25mm tapered beam vs. 20mm straight beam. Once I got past that, the love affair began, and 1 year later is still going strong...

Rad Pro makes total sense for Gads. It has that lower static weight, higher SW ratio of the Black ace. I am not surprised by him digging this stick. If I was not so happy with the 200, I would revisit, but I found the yonex gave me more control and a little less power, which is what I needed.

The Rad Pro has some serious power..impressive for that type of flex.

You RP guys should try my Courier setup if you want a change from full poly. It will feel incredible in that stick, I can about guarantee it. Full poly really takes away the feel and volley advantage I am getting with a syn gut or gut main.

Rad Pro makes total sense for Gads. It has that lower static weight, higher SW ratio of the Black ace. I am not surprised by him digging this stick. If I was not so happy with the 200, I would revisit, but I found the yonex gave me more control and a little less power, which is what I needed.

The Rad Pro has some serious power..impressive for that type of flex.

You RP guys should try my Courier setup if you want a change from full poly. It will feel incredible in that stick, I can about guarantee it. Full poly really takes away the feel and volley advantage I am getting with a syn gut or gut main.

Click to expand...

Exactly. That lower static and higher SW felt right at home. No transition.We'll see if it sticks, but first impression was just great. My bag is madness again.

I played tonight with the Babolat Aerprodrive GT with LTEC 5S at 48. This string compliments the Aeropro quite nicely as it has a muted feel that takes away the boardy feel of the APD. The mix of power and control was there. I felt much better hitting with a racket with a much higher swingweight if compared with the VCORE 100. Now I have to decide if I will trade the almost new VCORE for a second APD. This is hard to decide especially when I had good hopes with the VCORE before receiving it. If I dont trade it I suppose it will stay in the closet collecting dust.

Seriously though, it is a major upgrade from the previous version. Racquet feels so sublime and plush. Unlike the previous version the swing weight seems very manageable and does not have that clunky feel to it. The flex will be a bit of an adjustment for some but to feels just right to me, reminiscent of the PB 10 Mid in this regard. Power is easily on tap and I think this stick will reward players who tend to have more of a topspin ( w/wiper) forehand and play with a 2HBH (Yonex level-effortless execution). Comfort is what you would expect from a stick with this type of flex and matches well with a crisp full poly string bed but I suspect it would also hybrid well.

All in all this stick has left a pretty good impression and has been placed in the # 1 spot in my bag until further notice. More to come

Click to expand...

It's a nice frame for sure, then I read reviews like this and I wonder if I had not spent enough time with it. Like I've said before, anything with flex catches my eye.

Oh Murray!... Every single word of the above (I've read the post twice) makes it sound completely like it would appeal to me... Oh dear, this thread is just no good whatsoever for my mental stability.

Click to expand...

^Seriously :razz:. I'm going to be green with jealousy for the next year or so reading this thread. My racquetholic days are behind me guys. Not only do we have another kid on the way but we're looking into becoming first time home-owners. Can't pay rent anymore. Moving to Virginia. Less taxes. Closer to work.

I'll have to make do with my 2 6.1teams until they go on sale, or hunt down some used racquets. Can't justify paying close to $200 for a racquet anymore. Good thing too, just got my set-up dialed in with the 6.1teams. Looking for string set-ups now and some brush-up lessons before the fall indoor season. Good Luck to all the rh's... I'll be reading!

"With an extra half inch added to its overall length, the Genesis Thunder Power XL amps up the spin and power production when compared to a standard length racquet. Genesis's Dimensional Carbon technology provides improved control and feel combined with impressive acceleration. A thinner beam at the throat allows players to swing confidently without the fear of losing ball control. This racquet is perfet for the agressive baseline player who likes to play with heavy topspin from both groundstrokes. On serve, we found great feedback with loads of power and spin. At net, Thunder Power XL is easy to maneuver and offers nice touch. The large sweetspot offers a crisp feel with exhiliraitng precision. The racquet is constructed from a single mold from the handle to the head of the racquet. This unique construction is what makes the racquet feel so solid."

I played tonight with the Babolat Aerprodrive GT with LTEC 5S at 48. This string compliments the Aeropro quite nicely as it has a muted feel that takes away the boardy feel of the APD. The mix of power and control was there. I felt much better hitting with a racket with a much higher swingweight if compared with the VCORE 100. Now I have to decide if I will trade the almost new VCORE for a second APD. This is hard to decide especially when I had good hopes with the VCORE before receiving it. If I dont trade it I suppose it will stay in the closet collecting dust.

Click to expand...

Jesus H! Put some lead on the 100s to match the APD if you like the latter so much. At least compare them fairly before ditching one or the other. In stock form you're comparing specs, not frames (20 unit swingweight differential!), which is the surest way to consign yourself to demo hell (although you might see that as heaven, in which case, sell, buy, sell, buy).

Another illuminating great session this morning. Intense drilling, practice stuff, some games. Spent good time with the Pro No 1 silver/red, and a bit of time with a PD+ and a PC+. So, I think things are clarifying a bit in my head now, and what the sum total of this week's play and mad professor-like analysis would appear to indicate is... well, this is where I need to be, I think... here's how I'm rollin'...

98" Head-size
Standard size
Solid/Stable
Medium power
Good control
Open Pattern
Great build quality
Great feel
More your player's frame than your tweener

Basically, I think I need to be looking with that in mind, so any suggestions, gentlemen, please post them up.

Where I'm at at right now is I want to look further at the Pro No 1 silver/red (I still suspect it's a tad too much a true players frame for me, but it's such an exceptional frame, I need to put in that new string job and see if that can't help out in the oomph dept.) And staying broadly within the categories above, the Pure Control standard may be worth me revisiting (PST too? Hmmm...) - I love certain aspects of the Swirly PC+ 2nd Gen (love the box beam, lack of vibes, way it pancakes the ball) - just not the tree-trunk-like heft though!... Should I also relook at that C10 Pro? (perhaps not...)... And if there's one frame that's forging to the top of my 'to check out' list it would be the IG Rad Pro that everyone's raving about suddenly.

Jesus H! Put some lead on the 100s to match the APD if you like the latter so much. At least compare them fairly before ditching one or the other. In stock form you're comparing specs, not frames (20 unit swingweight differential!), which is the surest way to consign yourself to demo hell (although you might see that as heaven, in which case, sell, buy, sell, buy).

Click to expand...

Dont know about that. Im better off with the RDIS 100 MP (that I still have) that has better control and is heavier than the VCORE 100. In the case of the Aero Pro, its headshape and aero design adjusts better to the way I hit the ball.

ross, the yy 200 rdis literally has a checkmark next to every single thing you listed..lol.

Click to expand...

I agree the 200 fits Ross listed specifications.
But, for some reason I have to adjust my strokes a bit with the Yonex iosometric shape. It gives you a better sweetpot but for some reason you have to drive the ball a bit more. The windshield stokes are harder to produce, at least in my case. I can produce these windshield strolkes but not as naturally and fluently as with the APD.

VCore 98... I know I've asked before, but among the intense racketaholic deliberations of recent times I've lost track a bit. Anyhow, pros and cons, considered opinions on the V98. Thx

bcart,

Loving that MW 200G. Classy frame. Wish I never sold mine.

Click to expand...

Ross, I think the rdis200 has a much nicer and spinnier feel than the vcore98. The vcore is a good racquet, I think with slight weight added you might like it. It has more of a stiff pure drivey feel.

Another stick that might be good but I have never tried becuase it is euro only is the ig speed pro, 16x19 with a 98 head, caps, wilson gripshape and a monster sw...why this is euro only is beyond me...it would kill me spiritually to play with a djoker pj but it looks solid.

Ross,
The reason why I used my worldly wisdom and chose the qtour for you was down to a couple of things. I haven't used this stick, I have however hit with several pro kennex sticks at our club, 7g, 5g, ki5 etc, they swing imo very volkl like, very smooth like the c10 pro, they feel lighter than they are in reality, something about the thin beam in profile. I also found them rather generous in power. When I look at the qtour I see your PC plow, similar sw, similar static, more maneuverable.

Its an educated guess, its also difficult for you to playtest I know, but worth a looksy if it ever turns up on our boards. 7g, ki5 & 5g also worth a pop if they come your way.

Gotta disagree on the QTour, having demoed it. Ross tends to like easy, spinny baseline oomph. The QTour is very controlled, low powered, more of a line-driver, and actually swings heftier to me than its specs. Not in a good way. All in all, performance just kind of average, and there is nothing - across the board - that came 'easily' with this stick, something I think Ross goes for. This one makes you work, especially on serve; nothing is free. Plus, feel isn't as great as other PK sticks. In the PK range, 7G is Ross' goat stick but I believe he has no access to it. Black Ace 98 also a delightful boomer from the back, and the feel is better, more sweetly 'full' than the QTour.

I think the Yonex 200 and the VCore 98 (and 100) are dynamite candidates for Ross. 200 feels the best and is more on the players side of things, a frame that still makes you work (but not too hard like the QTour), while the V98 does not feel as good (more harsh/metallic/stiff) but is also the easier 'boomer' that's a lot more in line with the Aero Ross is used to, just with a thinner beam and a little more control. The 100 I don't know much about but seems everyone likes it. But yeah, failing the 7G - which I think Ross might go nuts over if he ever got hold of one - the Yonnie 200 and the V98 are really, really good candidates for him to absolutely fall in love with for about 3-6 months before he goes back to the APD Originals.

Another illuminating great session this morning. Intense drilling, practice stuff, some games. Spent good time with the Pro No 1 silver/red, and a bit of time with a PD+ and a PC+. So, I think things are clarifying a bit in my head now, and what the sum total of this week's play and mad professor-like analysis would appear to indicate is... well, this is where I need to be, I think... here's how I'm rollin'...

98" Head-size
Standard size
Solid/Stable
Medium power
Good control
Open Pattern
Great build quality
Great feel
More your player's frame than your tweener

Basically, I think I need to be looking with that in mind, so any suggestions, gentlemen, please post them up.

Where I'm at at right now is I want to look further at the Pro No 1 silver/red (I still suspect it's a tad too much a true players frame for me, but it's such an exceptional frame, I need to put in that new string job and see if that can't help out in the oomph dept.) And staying broadly within the categories above, the Pure Control standard may be worth me revisiting (PST too? Hmmm...) - I love certain aspects of the Swirly PC+ 2nd Gen (love the box beam, lack of vibes, way it pancakes the ball) - just not the tree-trunk-like heft though!... Should I also relook at that C10 Pro? (perhaps not...)... And if there's one frame that's forging to the top of my 'to check out' list it would be the IG Rad Pro that everyone's raving about suddenly.

As I say though, any suggestions, let me have them!

Click to expand...

Have you thought about the APD? The head is slightly larger, and the power level slightly less, than you stipulate. Other than that it sounds ideal. The feel is a little different but once you get used to it works really well. It has an open pattern and the control and spin are superb. It is played by a lot of pros right at the top of the game as well as club players. At the good junior level it seems to be taking over (along with the Dunlop 300 range) though this is an observation based on what I see in the UK and Europe (so no quibbling of the " at my local tournament in Anchorage everyone played Wilson..." variety please). Alternatively you could try the new PDR which does similar things in a plusher feeling racket.

Have you thought about the APD? The head is slightly larger, and the power level slightly less, than you stipulate. Other than that it sounds ideal. The feel is a little different but once you get used to it works really well. It has an open pattern and the control and spin are superb. It is played by a lot of pros right at the top of the game as well as club players. At the good junior level it seems to be taking over (along with the Dunlop 300 range) though this is an observation based on what I see in the UK and Europe (so no quibbling of the " at my local tournament in Anchorage everyone played Wilson..." variety please). Alternatively you could try the new PDR which does similar things in a plusher feeling racket.

CC

Click to expand...

Okay, okay, very funny CC (and Gads too actually, who made a similar comment earlier)...

Yes, you all know my habit of returning to the APD and really quite possibly I will again. For now though, once again, I'm finding the hollowness, lack of solidness and feel too much of a negative.

Have you thought about the APD? The head is slightly larger, and the power level slightly less, than you stipulate. Other than that it sounds ideal. The feel is a little different but once you get used to it works really well. It has an open pattern and the control and spin are superb. It is played by a lot of pros right at the top of the game as well as club players. At the good junior level it seems to be taking over (along with the Dunlop 300 range) though this is an observation based on what I see in the UK and Europe (so no quibbling of the " at my local tournament in Anchorage everyone played Wilson..." variety please). Alternatively you could try the new PDR which does similar things in a plusher feeling racket.

Have you thought about the APD? The head is slightly larger, and the power level slightly less, than you stipulate. Other than that it sounds ideal. The feel is a little different but once you get used to it works really well. It has an open pattern and the control and spin are superb. It is played by a lot of pros right at the top of the game as well as club players. At the good junior level it seems to be taking over (along with the Dunlop 300 range) though this is an observation based on what I see in the UK and Europe (so no quibbling of the " at my local tournament in Anchorage everyone played Wilson..." variety please). Alternatively you could try the new PDR which does similar things in a plusher feeling racket.